4159. Robert Southey to William Wilberforce, 18 March 1824
Endorsement: Pri Robt Southey/ with a Keswick petition/ & subscribg to his Brothers/ Book chronoll Histy of/ x W Indies
MS: The Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection of English and American Literature, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations. ALS; 3p.
Unpublished.
Note on MS: The verso is printed at the head with the following: TO BE/ PUBLISHED/ BY/ SUBSCRIPTION, IN THREE VOLS. OCTAVO,/ PRICE, £2. S2./ (The money to be paid on delivery,)/ A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE/ WEST INDIES,/ BY CAPTAIN THOMAS SOUTHEY, COMMANDER/ ROYAL NAVY. [Tom Southey’s Chronological History of the West Indies (1827) was finally published by Longmans.]
To you, as the fittest person on such an occasion, I forward a petition from this little town for the gradual abolition of slavery.
The tenour of it is in conformity to our friend Clarksons suggestions.
I send also on the next leaf the Prospectus of a work which will represent West Inde colonial slavery in its proper colours. My brother has been long employed upon it. The plan was suggested by me, & my assistance will not be wanting in it. It will be conferring a kindness upon me if you can assist the subscription.
I was sorry not to find you in London during my late visit to that place. After an absence of fifteen weeks, & a circuit of as many hundred miles, you may imagine with what delight I returned home, to my wonted way of life, & the quiet enjoyment of my wonted occupations. I miss however my eldest daughter, who was left in town.
Believe me my dear Sir
Yours with the sincerest respect & regard
Robert Southey.
